Parties discussed DNA testing during a hearing for one of the men charged in the murder of Malachi Lukes.
Koran Jackson, 21, is one of five defendants charged in the death of 13-year old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020. Lukes was found lying in an alley on the 600 block S Street, NW, late that day. He was unconscious and unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound to the neck. A second juvenile was found with a gunshot wound to the leg but he recovered from his injuries, according to court documents.
Jackson and his co-defendants, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, Reginald Lopez Steele, Jr. and Aaron Dequan Brown were arrested soon after for first-degree murder. Parties are currently trying to litigate issues with DNA testing.
During the most recent hearing for this case on Feb. 2, the defense said they intend to have an expert present while evidence is tested. Still, the prosecutor said the testing would cost $15,000, which the defense argued is unreasonably high. DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said her chambers will make a decision in the near future and let both parties know before the next hearing.
